Dry, cracked heels are not only annoying to look at, but they can also be very uncomfortable or even painful. In some cases, cracks can be so deep that they bleed and are at risk of becoming infected, especially if you have diabetes or are immunocompromised. Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can be caused by various factors. These include lifestyle factors, such as prolonged standing, wearing unsupportive or open-back shoes, not moisturizing the feet, and taking excessively hot showers, and environmental factors, such as living in a cold and dry climate. Underlying medical conditions can also cause dry skin and heel fissures. These include eczema, psoriasis, palmoplantar keratoderma, and juvenile plantar dermatosis. If you suffer from dry, cracked heels, it is suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Causes

• Prolonged standing
• Wearing open-back shoes
• Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Taking long, hot showers
• Not moisturizing the heels
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Palmoplantar keratoderma
• Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

• Soaking the feet
• Exfoliating with a pumice stone
• Moisturizing the heels
• Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels
• Avoiding prolonged standing
• Taking warm, rather than hot, showers
• Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Biomechanics is the study of structure, function, and motion in a biological system, such as the feet. One area of biomechanics that chiropodists can help with is your gait or walking pattern. Many people are unaware of individual differences in how their feet move when they walk or run. By knowing more about your own unique gait, you may be better able to find foot care practices, shoes, and orthotics that suit the needs of your feet. Generally speaking, a person’s gait is often classified based on the foot’s motion while walking or running. An over pronated gait, common in people with flat feet, refers to a walking pattern where the feet roll too far outwards. An under pronated gait refers to a walking pattern where the feet roll too far inwards. A neutral gait refers to a normal walking pattern. To learn more about foot biomechanics, please consult with a chiropodist. 

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Your feet carry you throughout your life, and just like any other part of your body, they need daily care to keep them healthy. Good foot care starts with good footwear. Look for shoes and socks that are comfortable, supportive, fit properly, and are made from breathable materials. Avoid wearing shoes that are tight, narrow, or have excessively high heels. Give your feet an easy workout by going on a walk and doing some simple foot stretches. Wash your feet daily using lukewarm water and mild soap and be sure to dry the feet thoroughly. Moisturize your feet, particularly the soles and heels, to prevent dry, cracked skin. To learn more about good foot care practices, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly
• Washing the feet daily with soap and water
• Drying the feet thoroughly
• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet
• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly
• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Heel pain is frequently seen by a chiropodist. There are several potential causes of heel pain. The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. When this ligament is injured, usually due to overuse, it can cause heel and arch pain. Pain at the back of the heel may be caused by Achilles tendonitis. Other symptoms of this condition include ankle and calf swelling, tenderness, and stiffness. Other potential causes of heel pain include bone spurs, stress fractures, bursitis, Sever’s disease, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. If you are experiencing heel pain, please seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel pain, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include: 

• Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs
• Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness
• Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time
• Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf 

Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON .